Bear Essentials cancer support for childen of parents with cancer: Love activity

Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, 63131

Activities For Children

Love

Suggested Items

Two 12-inch pieces of felt or other scrap fabric
Needle and thread
Paper
Pen or pencil
Piece of cardboard
Crayons or marker
Items to use for decorations
Scissors

Information for Parents

Information for Children

Activity

Resources

Parents:
Children need to know that love never goes away. Talk to your children about times when you may be feeling unhappy, upset or ill, and how no matter what the situation, your love for them will remain constant. The following activity will help you and your children feel loved when you need it most.

Children
Have you ever felt unloved? Probably everyone has. Often, a person gets cranky or doesn't feel too well and you might think that person doesn't care about you anymore. The truth is, love stays the same no matter how you feel. Here is a fun activity to remind you that you are loved all the time.

Activity: Love Pouch -- The Perfect Container for "Love Messages"
You can make a special pouch to hold love messages. Take two pieces of felt and put them one on top of other. Draw a heart shape on the top piece with a marker. Holding the two pieces together, cut out the heart shape. Sew the two heart pieces together, leaving an opening about three inches long. You can decorate this special pouch with:

Markers
Sequins
Feathers
Beads

You and your parent can each write "love messages" on small pieces of paper and put them in your heart pouch. The messages can be very simple, like "I love you all the time," or "I love you no matter what" or even "I love you when you're angry." Make up your own messages too. Keep your pouch in a special place. The next time you or your parent feels sad or unloved, reach in and read a special love message.

Activity: Journaling
Create a journal and write about the different people and things you love and why. You probably love your mom or dad for different reasons than you love an aunt or uncle. Think about why you love your brother or sister or a pet. Maybe there is a special teacher or coach who you also can write about.
Drawing Sheet

Activity: Heart Puzzle
Draw a heart on a piece of cardboard and color it. Now cut the heart out and into four or five different shapes without getting rid of any of the original heart. You may want to ask an adult to help. Now, mix the shapes up, and put togeher your own heart puzzle.

Resources
Book Suggestion: The Kissing Hand